Thomas Cook has increased its trade support with more on-the-road sales staff, a new booking platform and more training ahead of the busy January peak booking period.
The operator has launched a new web based-booking platform, Thomas Cook Trade, to support its independent partners and provide agents with a more seamless and easier-to-use booking system for all its brands.
Key features include integrated TripAdvisor reviews and video tours for selected hotels, an image gallery to bring each holiday to life, the facility to tailor-make window cards as well as a greater emphasis on the sale of value-added services such as room upgrades and a new seat map booking facility.
In addition, a new web training portal, The Thomas Cook Training Academy, will launch on December 15.
This has been designed by the Thomas Cook Learning and Development Team and will focus on four key modules for Thomas Cook exclusive product.
Head of trade partnerships – commercial, sales and relations Audrey Brooks-Wiggins said: "We have received a fantastic response to Thomas Cook Trade so far.
"Along with our other initiatives, it demonstrates our long term commitment and the investment we are making to work successfully with our trade partners.
"We have spent time speaking to all of our partners to understand how they would like to work with us.
"We are conscious that one size does not fit all and that we need to be flexible."
To provide additional support during the busy peaks period, Thomas Cook has increased its sales team and staff will be out on the road visiting key agents during January.
Trade partner self-service support portal Thomas Cook World has also been re-launched with a new look and feel and improved navigation, making it easier for agents to interact with Thomas Cook.
The portal includes up-to-date special offers, product information and details on educationals and incentives, as well as an online chat facility.
